15 Genius IKEA Kids Playroom Ideas

When I started searching for kids playroom ideas that would actually work for our home, I wasn’t looking for anything Pinterest perfect, I just needed something that didn’t feel like I’d plopped an industrial kitchen into my living room. We already have a fun outdoor chalk obstacle course for kids, so my focus was creating an indoor area where they could play freely and put their toys away without it looking like chaos exploded in plastic form. But every time I looked at the usual IKEA Trofast setups, I couldn’t help but cringe. Those exposed bins? They felt sterile, clunky, and not at all the cozy, imaginative space I envisioned.

I briefly considered flipping a white 6-pod bookshelf on its side simple, right? But then what? Fabric bins? We tried that, but my toddler treated them like trampolines, and they didn’t last a season. I wanted something that looked more finished, more intentional. We even fell in love with these gorgeous stackable cubbies from Target, but needing six of them made the price tag skyrocket. It felt like no matter where I turned, the cute and functional solutions were either too big, too ugly, or too expensive.

Then, finally, we landed on something that worked. Aldi (yes, Aldi!) had these bin organizers for just $29 each. We grabbed two, set them up in the playroom, and never looked back. They hit that sweet spot between affordability and design. I also found a few IKEA pieces that gave off a more finished, “grown-up” vibe, like the EKET cabinets and HEMNES console table, which pair beautifully with storage boxes like TJENA for closed storage. It keeps things clean-looking, and when the kids inevitably toss everything out to the floor (because, let’s be real), it takes just minutes to toss everything back in and shut the doors.

If you’re dreaming up your own kids playroom ideas, especially a space that balances style with function, don’t sleep on mixing IKEA basics with surprising finds from places like Aldi, Target, or even secondhand spots. Below are 15 clever IKEA kids playroom ideas with detailed tips to make your transformation seamless.

15. IKEA TROFAST Toy Storage Wall

Materials:

• TROFAST frames and bins
• Wall anchors and brackets

Tips:

• Mount multiple TROFAST units side-by-side to create a floor-to-ceiling toy library.
• Use clear or color-coded bins for organizing by toy type (e.g., LEGO, plushies, puzzles).
• Label each bin with icons for younger children.

14. KALLAX Reading Nook Bench

Materials:

• 1×4 KALLAX shelf
• Foam cushion
• Fabric cover
• Storage bins

Tips:

• Lay KALLAX horizontally and add a custom-fit cushion on top.
• Use the cubbies for book baskets or soft toys.
• Add wall-mounted spice racks (like BEKVÄM) above it as mini bookshelves.

13. LACK Table Sensory Station

Materials:

• LACK table
• Storage bins
• Velcro or inset plastic trays

Tips:

• Cut out the tabletop to fit removable bins for sand, rice, or water beads.
• Paint the table in bright colors or use washable chalkboard paint for extra creativity.
• Store tools (scoops, cups, etc.) in the SKÅDIS pegboard mounted nearby.

12. Flisat Table with Roll Holder Art Station

Materials:

• FLISAT children’s table
• MÅLA paper roll
• Art supplies bins

Tips:

• Use the built-in paper roll holder and pair it with TROFAST bins for markers, crayons, and scissors.
• Add a hanging cup rail on the wall for brushes and paint jars.
• Cover surfaces with wipeable mats to make cleaning easy.

11. DIY Montessori Toy Rotation Shelf with IVAR

Materials:

• IVAR side units
• Wooden shelves
• Safety wall anchors

Tips:

• Display 4–6 toys at a time to promote focus and reduce clutter.
• Keep the shelf low to the ground to encourage independence.
• Rotate toys weekly and involve kids in the process.

10. DUKTIG Kitchen Makeover Play Cafe

Materials:

• DUKTIG play kitchen
• Peel-and-stick backsplash
• LED puck lights
• Hooks for utensils

Tips:

• Paint the kitchen in your child’s favorite colors.
• Add real kitchen tools for role-play.
• Mount a menu board on the wall using a simple IKEA frame.

9. Kids Playroom Ideas: BILLY Bookcase Toy Display Tower

Materials:

• BILLY bookcase
• Adjustable shelves
• Shelf lighting

Tips:

• Use BILLY to showcase puzzles, educational toys, and books.
• Anchor it securely to the wall for safety.
• Add glass doors (like OXBERG) to prevent dust on displayed toys.

8. Kids Playroom Ideas: RIBBA Picture Ledge LEGO Display

Materials:

• RIBBA picture ledges
• LEGO plates
• Command strips

Tips:

• Mount low RIBBA ledges to display LEGO creations or figures.
• Attach small LEGO baseplates so kids can build directly on the ledge.
• Use ledges to display rotating crafts or drawings, too.

7. Kids Playroom Ideas: PLATSA Hide-and-Seek Nook

Materials:

• PLATSA storage system
• Curtains or canopy
• Cushions and fairy lights

Tips:

• Create a cozy nook under wall-mounted PLATSA cabinets.
• Add soft seating inside and hang curtains for a sense of privacy.
• Mount a reading light inside for a magical touch.

6. Kids Playroom Ideas: SKÅDIS Pegboard Creativity Center

Materials:

• SKÅDIS pegboard system
• Bins, cups, and hooks

Tips:

• Mount at child height and fill with craft tools, scissors, glue, and paper.
• Organize by color or activity type.
• Use for math counters, flashcards, or letter tiles as they grow.

5. Kids Playroom Ideas: FJÄLLA Labeled Toy Storage System

Materials:

• FJÄLLA boxes
• Custom vinyl labels
• Low shelving unit

Tips:

• Choose pastel or neutral tones to blend into the room decor.
• Label boxes clearly to promote tidiness.
• Store art supplies, small toy sets, or puzzles in each box.

4. Kids Playroom Ideas: MOPPE Mini Desk Organizer for Craft Supplies

Materials:

• MOPPE drawers
• Paint or decoupage paper
• Drawer knobs (optional)

Tips:

• Customize with colors and patterns to match the room.
• Use each drawer for a different craft category: glue, stickers, scissors, etc.
• Stack multiple units for more space.

3. Kids Playroom Ideas: SLÄKT Bed Frame Play Zone

Materials:

• SLÄKT bed frame with pull-out
• Storage bins
• LED lights

Tips:

• Use the pull-out for hidden play zones or under-bed storage.
• Decorate with themed decals (space, jungle, fairy tales).
• Attach curtains to the bed frame to make a fort.

2. Kids Playroom Ideas: DIY Puppet Theater with CURTAIN WIRE

Materials:

• IKEA curtain wire
• Fabric curtains
• Tension rods or doorway frame

Tips:

• Set up a pop-up puppet stage in any doorway.
• Use HEMMA curtain wire to hang custom panels.
• Store puppets in a hanging IKEA SKUBB shoe organizer.

1. Kids Playroom Ideas: STUVA/SMÅSTAD Closet Turned Play Pantry

Materials:

• SMÅSTAD wardrobe
• Play food and shelves
• Labels and baskets

Tips:

• Convert a SMÅSTAD wardrobe into a grocery store or pantry.
• Add dividers for “food categories.”
• Use reusable tote bags for checkout role-play.

Conclusion

We design IKEA-based playrooms to be flexible, affordable, and stimulating. By customizing furniture with small hacks and child-friendly details, every piece serves both function and fun. Use this guide to design a playroom that encourages exploration, independence, and endless creativity.